Home of Les Blank Films, Down Home Music Foundation, and Arhoolie Foundation, El Cerrito, California.

NEWS

Dear Friends,
 
Thank you for your patience as we complete the final steps in the purchase of the Down Home building. There have been many moving parts but the sale should be finalized in three days, on May 5, 2025! We will announce the news officially as soon as we get word from the lawyers. We could not have gotten to this point without the help of hundreds of generous supporters and fans. THANK YOU!!!
 
-Sincerely, Harrod, Emily, Adam, Clark, Maggie, JC, John P., John M., and Lyuba!
 

VIDEO: HARROD BLANK TALKS ABOUT THE BUILDING

Burden of Dreams

Beautifully Remastered to 4K

 

Support The Restoration Work On Burden of Dreams

Wear A Tee Shirt!

In celebration of the restoration of Les Blank’s remarkable film, Burden of Dreams, we have reprinted the tee shirt designed by Tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy! Available in black or navy blue, (with red and silver ink) the two-sided shirt supports the restoration of the film. 


Artwork By Tattoo Artist, Don Ed Hardy

Les Blank always delved deeply into the soul of whatever he focused on

In his films, Les gives us intimate portraits of American Bluesmen such as Lightnin’ Hopkins and Mance Lipscomb, he takes us to exuberant parties with Cajun music and food, we march along with Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, we dance with polka culture the Midwest, we listen to sweet fiddle music in Appalachia, and we learn about film making itself.

Les Blank has captured on film, the people, regions, foods, musical styles, dances, costumes and wonderful spirits that make America the unique cultural patchwork quilt that it is.

Read about Les Blank’s early experiences and training on the biographical page.

Thank you,

Subscribe to the Les Blank Films Mailing List